WRAG Radio Raggedy

Sunday, August 24, 2014

The Temptations -- "Ball Of Confusion"




I could not agree more -- and I remember I did agree way back when this song came out. I think it was the early 70's.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Soultaker's Treasure Chest 8-23-2014





Posted by Soultaker

With all the things that are going crazy in the world we live in, along with some issues I've been going through of late, we need something to help take our minds off of the negative things.  For me the medicine that always works is playing some records.  In this case some good soul music for the soul.  I hope this set helps with dealing with anything you may be going through in your life.  If things are well, then it will be some good music to relax to.

1. Intro
2.  Am I Grooving You - Freddie Scott - Shout
3.  I Guess That Don't Make Me A Loser - Brothers Of Soul - Boo
4.  I've Come To Save You - 100 Proof Aged In Soul - Hot Wax
5.  Two Lovers History - Mary Wells - Jubilee
6.  Help Me Love - Tommy Tate - Koko
7.  (Never Underestimate) The Power Of A Woman - Tony Mason - RCA Victor
8.  Ask The Girl Who Knows - Sherry Pie - Match
9.  I Feel A Chill - Ted Taylor - Ronn Records
10.  Baby I Need You - The Fantastic Johnny C - Phil-La of Soul
11.  Let Your Love Fade Away - Gene Williams - Forte/Numero
12.  I Want To Get Back - Woman - Shock
13.  Who's That Lady - Isley Brothers - United Artist/Fryers Records


Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Freddie Waters -- "The Sun Is Always Shining" and "I'm Afraid To let You Into My Life"

Freddie Waters started out in Nashville Tennessee in the mid 1960s where he sang lead for the Hytones. The group appeared regularly on the legendary  *Night Train," which lead to their discovery by producer Robert Holmes who worked as arranger for a subsidiary of the Excello label.
Together with  Eddie Frierson from the Hytones, Freddie recorded several duets as Freddie and Eddie, trying to sound like Sam and Dave.
Freddie by himself had a few regional hits, and when his records became wider known, Curtis Mayfield realized Freddie's talent and re-released Freddie's "Singing A New Song" on his own label, Curtom.
"Things began to look up as Ted Jarrett and Robert Holmes were hired as house production team for Audio Media recording studio in Nashville. Freddie was brought into the fold and landed a contract with October Records, a new (and sadly short-lived) Nashville soul label. The first single release "I'm Afraid To Let You Into My Life" was a regional hit and was soon followed by an album "Just Enough To Get Me Cool". Freddie was still bubbling just below the surface, unable to break through to the top." (See article.)
Starting in the 1980s, Freddie Waters, Ted Jarrett and Robert Holmes started TJ Records where he  successfully produces Gospel records to this day. 

"I'm Afraid ..."

"The Sun ..."




Sunday, August 17, 2014

Vic Taylor -- "I Miss You"

Vic Taylor

Vic Taylor
Vic Taylor was a Jamiacan singer who was once singing lead with such well known groups as the Skatalites and Byron Lee and The Dragonaires. 

His reggaefied rendition of "For Your Precious Love," and "Heartaches" became hits. His creamy deep baritone voice was absolutely beautiful and he sang such classics as "My Way" and "You Will Never Walk Alone" as if they had been written just for him. 

I love this voice.

"I Miss You" is from his LP Star Time, released on Dynamic Sounds in 1976.
For a full discography, please visit http://www.discogs.com/artist/386466-Vic-Taylor



"He moved to the US in the early Nineties, where he regularly sang on the cabaret and club scene, recently switching from Reggae and R&B to Gospel, having completed work on a religious album shortly before his passing."

He died on Monday, June 23rd 2003 at age 56. 


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Levert Allison -- "Hear That River" (A Word About Depression And Suicide ...)

Unfortunately, I am quite busy again at the moment. So my posts are a bit sporadic. But the suicide of Robin Williams had me pause a moment and write a few words about depression and its "cure" that is all too often suicide.

Please, if you know someone who shows signs of depression, talk to them. Let them know that there is a way out through therapy. Help them to initiate the steps necessary to receive help. Have them see their primary care physician or a nurse or a medical professional. It could save a life!

If the person in question is not suicidal, finding help will definitely improve their lives and lift that terrible feeling that is often described as an unbearable pain. Others may refer to a feeling of nothingness.

"“The so-called ‘psychotically depressed’ person who tries to kill herself doesn’t do so out of quote ‘hopelessness’ or any abstract conviction that life’s assets and debits do not square. And surely not because death seems suddenly appealing. The person in whom its invisible agony reaches a certain unendurable level will kill herself the same way a trapped person will eventually jump from the window of a burning high-rise. ..."           (David Foster Wallace)

Here are some of the signs of depression and suicidal tendencies everyone should know about:



According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:
Continue reading below..

    Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
  • Fatigue and decreased energy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
  • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
  • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
  • Irritability, restlessness
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
  • Overeating or appetite loss
  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
  • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Are There Warning Signs of Suicide With Depression?

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) -- or the deaf hotline at 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889).
Warning signs of suicide with depression include:
  • A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
  • Always talking or thinking about death
  • Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
  • Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving through red lights
  • Losing interest in things one used to care about
  • Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
  • Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
  • Saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
  • Talking about suicide (killing one's self)
  • Visiting or calling people one cares about
Remember, if you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the above warning signs of suicide with depression, either call your local suicide hot line, contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room for immediate treatment.

... and remember: depression can affect anyone: rich, poor, educated, beautiful, religious. It is a disease that cannot be controlled by will power.

This song is dedicated to all those who took their own lives. May their souls rest in peace. 




Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Jimmy Burns and Dave Herrero Trio -- "For Your Precious Love" live

Is there anything more intriguing than an immortal song performed live to an appreciative audience? This morning, I just stumbled upon this cover of one of the most beautiful love songs ever ...




Monday, August 4, 2014

Anna King -- "If Somebody Told You"


Anna King is one of the women James Brown considered worthy to tour with his group during the 60's. In 1964, he produced her only album, Back To Soul.  She joined James Brown's show, replacing Tammi Terrell in 1963.
Today's song is one of the titles James Brown wrote as well as produced for Anna.

Given Brown's involvement, King's releases for the Smash label often resembled his own early-'60s singles in their tough brand of early soul, though Anna had a respectably strong, earthy voice of her own. King left Brown's show in early 1965, and strangely considering the modest commercial success she enjoyed, she released just one more single, which came out in 1965 on the End label. She did later sing with Duke Ellington's band for about a year and a half (though she didn't record with them), but left popular music for gospel, performing and recording as part of the Brockington Choral Ensemble.  (allmusic.com)




Sunday, August 3, 2014

WRAG Radio Raggedy: Parting Ways -- Songs About Saying Goodbbye





Saturday, August 2, 2014

Reggae Saturday

reggae icons photo: non stop light reggae.gif

Playlist

Dell Williams -- Searching For Your Love
The Maytones -- Loving Reggae
The Kingstonians feat. Jackie Bernard -- I A No Want Stall
Lester Sterling -- Reggae In The Wind